22 February 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections
#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist #FeastoftheChairofStPeter
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TOPIC: ARE WE RUNNING AWAY FROM OUR GOD-GIVEN MISSION?
First Reading: First Peter 5: 1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 4, 5, 6
Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 16: 18
Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-19
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of Peter, where we see the continuing role of the Pope, as the Vicar of Christ beginning with St. Peter. The use of the term chair in this feast comes from the Latin word “cathedra” which means the seat of government. Our Gospel today gives us the answer to how this feast began. In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks the Twelve Apostles, “Who do people say that I am?” The only response that Jesus acknowledged was that of Peter, who said that He was the Son of the Living God. Jesus in turn said to Peter, “Blessed are you son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” (v. 17) From that point on Peter was singled out to be Christ’s rock here on earth. According to our Lord, the Church headed by His Vicar will be so rock solid, “that the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” (v. 18) This is why we honor St. Peter as our first Pope, personally chosen by the Father, named by the Son and enlightened by the Spirit to lead the Lord’s flock, the Church.
This is the 1396th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Rouquel Ponte, a member of the CFC Board of Elders, as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our
